Block feeding apparatus

ABSTRACT

A feeding apparatus for propelling blocks, such as logs, from a moving conveyor or a stationary rack loaded with such logs. A single spike roll or a pair of spike rolls are moved against a log momentarily to flick the log in the direction of roll rotation. The momentary frictional engagement of the spiked roll against the top of the log is greater than the sliding friction of the log against the conveyor or the logs therebelow, so as to separate the log from its support.

United States Patent Inventors Tillman B. Gillespie, Jr.

Bradley, Tenn. (1105 Wagner Circle, Cleverland, Tenn. 37040); Dale H. Dove, York, S.C. (2103 Marett Blvd., Rockllill, S.C. 29730) Appl. No. 763,281 Filed Sept. 27, 1968 Patented Mar. 16, 1971 BLOCK FEEDING APPARATUS 24 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 198/25, 198/167,198/185 Int. Cl B65g 47/34 Field ofSearch 214/8.5,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,252,894 l/l9l8 Fitzgerald 144/246(.3)

1,729,671 10/1929 Bel] -Irving et al 198/185 2,254,097 8/1941 Wood (214/8511) 2,821,220 1/1958 Nicholson 144/242X 3,019,825 2/1962 Herolf 144/246(.3)X

3,189,162 6/1965 Brundell et al. 144/246X Primary ExaminerAlbert J Makay Attorney-Irons, Stockman, Sears & Santorelli ABSTRACT: A feeding apparatus for propelling blocks, such as logs, from a moving conveyor or a stationary rack loaded with such logs. A single spike roll or a pair of spike rolls are moved against a log momentarily to flick the log in the direction of roll rotation. The momentary frictional engagement of the spiked roll against the top of the log is greater than the sliding friction of the log against the conveyor or the logs therebelow, so as to separate the log from its support.

PATENIEU m 1 s SHEET lIITlI y INVENTORS DALE H. DOVE ATTORNEYS TILLMAN B. GILLESPIE,JR.

INVENTORS SHEET 2 BF 4 TILLMAN B. GILLESPIE,JR. DALE H. DOVE ATTORNEYS FIG. 3

@ZMM 9 2% BLOCK FEEDING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION in the processing of materials such as logs it is often necessary to select either acceptable or unacceptable logs from a batch of such logs being fed'along a conveyor. Likewise, it is often necessary to feed logs from a conveyor or a rack into the grinders in the manufacture of groundwood pulp. It is also frequently desirable in the handling of logs to utilize chutes for transferring logs from one system to another. In the past, many of these operations have been done manually, or for practical purposes, by hand with the aid 'of a tool.

For example, a normal way of feeding wood blocks to a grinder in a pulp mill is by hand off a longitudinally movable conveyor. A block is typically a log between 4 and Sifeet long, and between 4 and inches in outside diameter. The blocks are loaded on a moving belt, or on spaced conveyor chains, passing adjacent a battery of grinders. Individual grinder units of the battery can be disposed at each side of the conveyor, or can be only on one side. Operators with picaroons manually pull the blocks off the conveyors, and manhandle them into a chute feeding a particular grinder. This method, notwithstanding a conveyor is used, is known in the trade as manual loading.

In other instances jump-roll machines have been devised to effect off-loading. In one mechanical apparatus the blocks are carried between two spaced parallel moving conveyor chains. Disposed between the chains is a pair of rotatable V- rolls having axes parallel to the conveyor. The rolls are constructed and arranged for vertical movement, and when a roll pair is moved upwards, (i.e. jumps upwards, whence the name) a block is engaged by the roll pair from below and lifted clear of the conveyor. Rotation of the roll pair will then discharge the block to one side of the conveyor, into a chute.

A disadvantage of this type of apparatus is that a stack of several blocks cannot be handled by the V-rolls, the pair of which accommodates but two or three blocks at a time, depending upon the size of the blocks. Also, several operators are ordinarily used with such an apparatus, as is well known.

In other log feeding operations, it is well known to position spike rolls around the periphery of a log for feeding the log in a longitudinal axial direction. Such spike rolls are in constant contact with the logs as the logs are fed therepast, for exampie, to a debarking machine. These apparatus are to be distinguished from the present invention since the mode of operation is entirely different; and since there is no structure in such apparatus for providing the quick flicking action to propel a log away from other such logs on a conveyor or rack.

' Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a versatile mechanical unloading apparatus which can be operated by one man, and is directed to reduce these and other difficulties and disadvantages, and those of other machines of generally similar nature, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

It is a further object to provide a semiautomatic unloading apparatus which provides a substantially higher output rate and which is relatively simple and robust in construction.

SUMMARY Generally speaking, the invention comprises an apparatus for separately feeding blocks from the top of a conveyor loaded with a plurality of such blocks. A spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis is momentarily urged against a block as the roll is rotating to propel the contacted block from the conveyor.

in the preferred embodiment the spike roll is mounted on a pivotally mounted boom, which is supported on a feed carriage. The feed carriage is mounted above the conveyor for the blocks and is movable longitudinally of the conveyor so as to permit positioning of the spike roll at various spots along the conveyor.

It is also preferred in some instances to provide a pair of spiked rolls on parallel spaces axes. The spike rolls can be rotated independently and raised or lowered independent of one another to discharge logs positioned at an angle to the horizontal.

DRAWINGS Other objects, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and drawings of specific embodiments thereof wherein:

FIG. I is a perspective view of one embodiment of th present invention showing a spike roll in two positions;

FIG. 2 is a detail front elevation view, partially in section, of one embodiment of a spike roll usable on the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail front elevation view, partially in section, of a second embodiment of a spike roll usable on the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a grinder feed carriage assembly according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 6 is an end elevation of FIG. 4 showing the rails upon which the carriage is longitudinally movable and a loaded conveyor, a grinder chute and a portion of a grinder; 7

FIG. 7 is a front elevation detail view, partially in section, of one embodiment of a spike roll rotatably mounted on a spike roll bracket; and

FIG. 8 is a front elevation detail view, partially in section, of a second embodiment of a spike roll usable with the apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a spike roll 11 mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis 12. The roll 111 is supported on a pivotally mounted arm 13 supported at end 14. A fluid operated cylinder and piston 16 is connected to the arm 13 intermediate the axis 12 and the end of the arm 14 with a bracket 17. The cylinder is supported at its upper end by a bracket 18 connected to a horizontal support member 19 made of pipe, angle iron or channel. The supporting member 19 is joined to another member 23, which supports the arm 13, by a brace 24. The entire assembly can be suspended from a support, such as I-beam 25.

The drive means for the spike roll ll includes an electric motor 17 mounted on the arm 13. The motor 27 is effective to drive a sprocket 28 which is connected by a chain 29 to a driven sprocket 30 mounted on the spike roll 11. It should be apparent that a V-belt or other drive means could be utilized to rotate the spike roll at a relatively high rate of speed.

As shown in FIG. I there is a conveyor 31 including a continuous conveyor belt 32 for advancing the blocks or logs beneath the spike roll II. It should be apparent that the conveyor could also take the form of a chain, a parallel chain pair, or other well-known forms of conveyors. Preferably, the overall width of the conveyor is about the same as the average length of the logs it is adapted to handle. The logs 33 are loaded on the conveyor in a known manner, and, when loaded, are in generally parallel side-to-side relation across the conveyor, and can be several layers deep. The size distribution of the individual logs can be random.

As the logs 33 are fed beneath the spike roll 11 by the conveyor 31, the operator closes an appropriate switch (not shown) to actuate the fluid piston 16 so as to lower the arm 13. The operation is such that the spike roll momentarily engages the top of the log as the roll ll is being rotated by the electric motor 27. The spikes on the roll ill engage the log and act to flick" or propel the log from the conveyor belt 32. Thus, the rotating roll ll strikes the log 33 for a very short interval of time and is removed at right angles from the direction of advancement along the conveyor 31. If the roll 11 is not raised quickly, the roll sometimes tends to dig into the log and exerts pressure on the log. This pressure creates additional friction between the log to be removed and the conveyor (or between the logs themselves if a plurality of logs are stacked on a conveyor) thereby preventing satisfactory movement of the logs from the conveyor. The principle of operation is that the friction of the spike roll against the top of the log on momentary contact is greater than the sliding friction between the log and the conveyor or the log and the other logs positioned therebelow. The momentary contact of the roll 11 with the log is sufficient to create movement and acceleration in the direction of roll rotation.

The speed of the roll is not critical so long as it is maintained within a reasonable range. Constant speed or variable speed drives can be used for rotating the roll. it has been found that normal size logs can be satisfactorily removed from the conveyor 32 where the peripheral speed of the roll is 450 feet per minute. it is important that the roll 11 be not applied with too much pressure to the log, and the action of the roll against the log should be quick. If the roll 11 is held on the log too long, it is possible to stall the roll without moving the wood. With a single roll unit, it has been found desirable to position the roll in such a way that it will strike the logs at approximately their midpoint for best operation. This obviously cannot be done with a two roll unit (described later); however, this has not been found to be critical for good operation.

Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown a detail view of one embodiment of a spike roll which can be used with the feeding apparatus disclosed in FIG. 1. The spike roll 11 is generally of hollow cylindrical shape having a hollow section 36 and a coaxial hollow section 37 both of which are mounted on a shaft 35. The section 36 has an inner wall 315, an intermediate wall 39 and an outer wall 41, the latter wall being connected to the outer part of the cylindrical shellby a tapered section 42. The cylindrical section 37 is constructed substantially the same as section 36 and will not be described in any further detail. Positioned between the sections 36 and 37 is the sprocket 311 for driving the entire spike roll 11. The shaft 35 is mounted in suitable bearings 47 and 18 for providing a free rotation thereof.

In this embodiment the spike roll has a total of six rows of circumferentially spaced spikes, the rows being designated generally 51-56, as shown in FIG. 2. In the row of spikes designated 51, each of the spikes is spaced 30 apart. so that there are a total of 12 such spikes 51. The other rows 52, 53, 54, S and 56, each includes a like number of spikes, although the number of spikes is not critical. The rows designated 51 and 56 are mounted on the tapered section of the cylindrical shell and project outwardly at approximately a 45 angle from the axis of the shaft 35. The other rows 52-55 are mounted at right angles to the shaft 35. it has also been found advantageous for some uses to make the inner rows 52 and 55 of larger spikes than the other rows 51, 53, 5 1 and 36. If desired, the spikes can all be provided tips of a hardened metal such as that sold under the trademark Stellite, and the tips should be ground to a sharp point.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment of a spike roll designated 11. The outer shell of this embodiment 61 is substantially in the shape of a truncated cone with the smaller end of the shell 62 adapted to face the direction of feed of the logs. Six parallel rows of spikes numbered 63-68 are mounted on the periphery of the shell 61. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the spikes in each parallel row are positioned 30 apart, thereby providing a total of 12 such spikes in each row. The shell 61 intersects the axis of a support shaft 71 at approximately an angle of 30, and the spikes are all mounted perpendicular to the periphery of the shell 61. Therefore, each of the spikes intersects the shaft "71 at approximately an angle of 60. Mounted between the rows of spikes 55 and as is a sprocket 72 for driving the entire spike roll 11'.

In the embodiment shown in H6. 3 it has been found that it is not necessary to raise and lower the spike roll, but instead the spike roll can be positioned a slight distance, such as an inch or two above the level of the conveyor. As the logs are fed down the conveyor toward the rotating spike roll 11, they momentarily contact the tips of the spikes in one or more of the rows 6368, and are thereby propelled at right angles thereto with the same flicking or bumping action described hereinbefore.

in all other respects the construction and operation of the spike roll 11' is the same as the spike roll shown in FIG. 2 as element 11.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is shown another embodiment of a machine for feeding blocks or logs from a conveyor or a rack. The structure will be described with reference to this particular use as a grinder feeder, but it should be apparent that this is by way of example, not limitation.

A grinder feed carriage, indicated generally by the numeral 11111, has a rectangular structural steel frame 101 including spaced parallel l-beam longitudinal members 102 and 1113 with a front transverse member 104 adjacent a front end of the frame, a transverse member 105 spaced therefrom and a rear transverse member 1116. The frame is floored with a grating, a pair of which is seen in FIG. 5, designated 107. Boom brackets 1113 and 109 are centered over the front transverse member 1%, extending upwards of the frame assembly.

An air supply to operate the carriage and ancillaries is obtained from a compressed air source, not shown, an automatic air hose reel of standard design being provided, designated generally 111.

A reversible air motor 112 is mounted on the frame as shown, driving a 10:1 reduction gear 113. Rear wheels 114 and 116 are secured to a rear axle 1117, with drive means 118 operatively connecting an output shaft of the reduction gear with the axle 117, thus providing means to rotate the rear wheels. Front wheels 121 and 122 are generally similar, and similar drive means indicated generally by the numeral 123 can be provided to drive the front wheels. Conventional braking means, not described or shown herein, are also provided.

A horizontal shaft 124 having an axis 126 extends between the brackets 108 and 1119. A boom 12% having an inner end journaled on the shaft 124, hereinafter referred to as the boom inner shaft, is rotatable about the said shaft in a vertical plane. A vertical pedestal 129 is journaled about a horizontal pedestal shaft 130 of an outer end of the boom. An upper link 131 has an inner end 132 joumaled to an inner link shaft 133 extending between the upper ends of the brackets 163 and 109. An outer end 134 of the upper link 1131 is journaled on an outer link shaft 135 of a bracket 136 at an upper end of the pedestal 129. The link 131 and the boom 128 are of equal length as measured from center to center of the shafts 126 and 130, and the distance between the shafts 126 and 133 is equal to the distance between the pedestal horizontal shaft 130 and the outer link shaft 135, thus providing a four bar parallel motion mechanism. Hence the pedestal 129 is maintained in a vertical position regardless of the position of the boom 12% asit rotates about the axis 126. The rotation is effected by a douhis acting hydraulic cylinder 137 trunnion mounted, as seen at 138, to a bracket on the front transverse member 104. An air motor 139 (FIG. 5) drives a hydraulic pump 1 12 supplying hydraulic fluid through lines, not shown, to the cylinder 137. A piston rod 142 has an outer end journaled as seen at 143 to a bracket 144 on the lower side of the boom 1213, so that extension and retraction of the piston rod 112 rotates the boom in a vertical plane about the axis 126, with the pedestal 129 being maintained vertical.

As best seen in FIG. 5, a left-hand spike roll bracket M6 is a generally l-l-shaped member rotatably mounted to a lower end of the pedestal 129, having spaced parallel arms 147, 148 at right angles to the boom, and a cross member 149. A spike roll 1311 is journaled as seen at 1.51 (H6. 41) in journal box secured to lower side edges of the arms 147 and 148, respectively.

A right-hand spike roll bracket 152 is generally similar to the bracket 146, the latter being designated as the left spike roll bracket, (left and right as viewed by an operator in a seat 153 of the carriage) a spike roll 155 being similarly journaled in the right-hand bracket 152.

ln FIG. 6, adjoining inner ends of the spaced arms of the spike roll brackets 14d and 152 are journaled for rotation at 156 about a horizontal axis 157 disposed centrally beneath the pedestal 129 so that the axis 157, the boom 128, and the upper link 131, are contained in a vertical plane of the central axis of the carriage.

A left-hand (as viewed by the operator) roll cylinder 161 is trunnion mounted, as indicated at 162, to a bracket on an upper part of the pedestal 129, the left cylinder having a piston rod 163 journaled at 164 in a bracket secured to the cross member 149. A similar right-hand cylinder and piston rod assembly, mounted as described above, is designated generally by the numeral 166 and indicated by a center line only. Both cylinders are double-acting, and adapted to be activated by movement of control levers (not shown) conveniently placed in the carriage adjacent the operator. By these means both the left-hand and right-hand spike rolls, and the spike roll brackets in which the spike rolls are joumaled, are independently rotatable about the axis 157.

In FIG. 4, the boom 128 and pedestal 129 are shown in a fully upward position, with the spike rolls 150 and 155 also fully upwards in relation to the pedestal. The boom 128 is rotatable about the inner shaft 124, so that the pedestal shaft horizontal axis 130 travels in a vertical plane along an are. A part of the arc is shown in broken outline, indicated by the reference numeral 167, and a lower extreme of the motion of the axis 130 is indicated at 168. With the axis in the position indicated at 168, the roll 150 is in a position shown in broken outline at 150'. When the roll brackets 146 and 152 are rotated to move the rolls downward, the roll 150 can attain a broken outline position 150", FIG. .4. Extremes of available roll positions are thus indicated at 150 and 150" which is typically a range of about 4%feet. Referring to FlG. 7, the spike roll 150 is generally of hollow cylindrical shape having a hollow section 171 and a coaxial hollow section 172, with spaced, adjacent inner end walls 173 and 174 separated by a spacer 176. A sprocket 177 is secured centrally of the spacer 176 as shown, being secured thereby by dowels 178. Outer end walls 179 and 181 are secured to hubs 182 and 103 of a roll shaft 154, with the roll shaft being journaled as seen at 136 and 187 to brackets 188 and 189 of the spaced arms 148 and 147, respectively.

It is seen that raising or lowering of the pedestal 129 effects equal raising and lowering of both spike rolls 150 and 155, while rotating one bracket (146 or 152) with the other bracket stationary effects alteration of relative elevation of the rolls so that each roll can be urged against a particular block notwithstanding that block lies on a slope. This is a particular advantage of the present invention, with independent rotation of each bracket providing means to engage both spike rolls with a block whether or not it lies level.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the pedestal 129 has a hollow interior. A reversible pneumatic spike roll drive motor 101 has a shaft, a center line, indicated at 192 and an outer end of the shaft extends into the hollow interior of the pedestal. Adjacent the outer end of the shaft is a pinion 1% (shown in FIG. 6 in broken outline, as is a chain 194 extending to a sprocket of a hollow shaft coaxial with the axis 157) with a second and third sprocket (not shown) adjacent thereto. The hollow shaft, and the second and third sprockets are of equal pitch diameter. Thus, the three sprockets rotate in the same direction when the shaft of the motor 191 rotates.

In FIG. 7 it is seen that the hollow section 171 is smaller in axial length than the hollow section 172, so that the sprocket 177 is not centrally positioned on the spike roll. The spike roll 155 is the same as that shown in FIG. 7, but is mounted with the position of the large and small hollow sections reversed. Thus the sprocket of the roll 155, indicated in broken outline at 196 in FIG. 6, and in FIG. 4, is spaced from a plane containing the sprocket 177. A chain 197 (FlG. 6) engages a sprocket of the hollow shaft and the sprocket 1% driving the roll 155. Another chain 198 engaging the remaining hollow shaft sprocket and the sprocket 177 similarly drives the spike roll 150. it should be apparent that when the shaft 192 is rotated in one direction, both rolls 150 and 155 rotate in the same direction, namely the direction of rotation of the shaft. This is indicated in FIG. 6 only by arrows 201 and 202 showing both rolls rotating in the same direction.

Referring again to HO. 7, seven circumferential rows of spikes designated 205-211 are provided, secured in and extending outward of peripheral sidewalls of the sections 171 and 172. The spikes are arranged in circumferentially spaced relationship, the numeral 205 designating a spike diametrically opposite the spike 205, 211' being opposite the spike 211., and so on. The seven circumferential rows of spikes preferably are axially spaced by approximately 2 inches. The circumferential rows can have a circular pitch of about the same magnitude as the axial spacing. The exact spacing and the exact pitch are not critical, although the 2 inch spacing has been found satisfactory in practice. The individual spikes themselves have an apex angle of about 50 and are conical, generally according to known practice.

It is seen that the spikes 205 and 211, i.e., the spikes of the outer rows, are relatively small, with the size of the spikes increasing inwards so that the spikes 210, 209 and 208, are progressively larger, as are 206 and 207. Spikes 207 and 208 can be of the same size. It is found that if the outer spikes, namely the spikes 205 and 211, are about 0.7 times the size of the inner spikes 207 and 208, satisfactory results are obtained. Spikes of the intermediate rows, namely the spikes 206 and 210 can be a mean between the larger and smaller sizes. it will be understood that the blocks have an irregular shape, and consequently it isnot practical to define closely an optimum size ratio. Furthermore, even a particular run of blocks can exhibit major dissimilarities both in size and in regularity. According to the best experimental data available at the present time, the ratio given above is satisfactory, but it is not suggested that this particular ratio is optimum for all conditions. Hereinafter, the spike arrangement described with reference to FIG. 7, and qualified as above, is referred to as a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes, with the rows axially spaced from one another, and wherein central rows have spikes which are larger that those of the outer rows.

Also, the optimum diameter of the spike rolls and 15 5 cannot be closely specified. It is, however, well known in the art that spike rolls of this general kind having an outside diameter of about 14 inches are satisfactory in practice.

Additional circumferentially spaced rows of spikes indicated at 212 and 213, are provided at outer edges of the roll. These spikes are suitably inclined at about 45 as shown, and are hereinafter' referred to as outer, inclined spike rows.

In FIG. 0 there is shown another embodiment of a spike roll, designated generally 220, adapted for use on the grinder charger. As is apparent, only the cylindrical outer shells 221 and 222 have been shown. It is to be understood that the support and drive mechanisms for this embodiment are substantially the same as for spike rolls 150 and 155.

The shell 221 includes five circumferential rows of spikes, 226-230; therows 229 and 230 being positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of the shell and the rows 226-228 being positioned at approximately a 45 angle. The shell 222 has one less row of normal spikes, the rows being designated 231- -234. The spikes themselves are substantially the same as those described previously. As before, the spikes in an individual row are positioned 30 apart, thereby utilizing twelve spikes per row.

The operation of this embodiment is somewhat similar to the tapered spike roll 11 shown in FIG. 3 in that the blocks or logs can be fed to the roll rather than raising and lowering the pedestal 129 for each discharge. in this embodiment it is also possible to feed the blocks toward the spike rolls 220 from each side while continuously rotating the rolls. As the blocks move against one or more of the rows of spikes (the particular rows depending on the height of the blocks and the exact position of the spike rolls) the rapidly rotating rolls-flick or bump the blocks from the conveyor in the manner previously described.

In FIG. 6 spaced rails 24]. are provided supported on girders 242 extending between columns 243 secured to a floor, not shown. A conveyor belt 244 travels on rolls 245 journaled in a conventional conveyor structure, not shown. The numeral 246 designates blocks loaded on the conveyor.

The invention contemplates ancillary use of numerous types of conveyors, e.g., a chain, a parallel chain pair, or a belt, of overall width which is about the same as the average length of the blocks which it is adapted to handle. The blocks are loaded on the conveyor in a known manner and, when loaded, are in generally parallel side-to-side relation across the conveyor, and can be several layers deep. The size distribution of the individual blocks is commonly random. Y

Chutes 247 and 248 lead to grinders, one of which is shown in fragmented outline at 2459. The carriage 100 travels on the rails 241, and is capable of travelling at a speed faster than that of the conveyor 244.

It is to be understood that the conveyor 244 can be replaced, if desired, with a stationary rack loaded with blocks, the blocks being discharged by thespike rolls in the same manner described above.

In the preceeding description, the mechanisms effecting the various motions of the carriage, spike rolls, etc. have been described, and it is to be understood that all these movements are controlled by levers, etc. placed within easy reach of the operator seated in the carriage. Safety regulations in some mills prohibit electrical operation, hence pneumatic means have been used as herein indicated. Pneumatically powered hydraulic means are used to effect boom motion, since positive control is thereby effected. The particular hydraulic and pneumatic means used to effect the several motions are by way of examples and not limitations to the present invention. Therefore, such means have not been described in detail, it being understood that any suitable means may be used to effeet the motions.

As previously stated, the use of a second spike roll is optional. When it is used it is provided with independent bracket rotation means. This effects variable separation of the spike rolls and allows a range of elevation difference between the roll axes, which are parallel, and in spacing thereof, thus providing that each spike roll can be brought into contact with the block when it lies slopingly.

Particular spike roll configuration can be used in combination with any of the embodiments above, depending on which combination is found to be advantageous in discharge of blocks of random size.

It is seen that the foregoing apparatus permits the blocks to be piled to, in a practical sense, any height within the capacity of the conveyor to move them without individual blocks dropping off. This is a material advantage compared to the limited capacity of known jump-roll equipments.

In the manual operation described above, a crew of four to six (or more) men would ordinarily be employed. To handle the same quantity in one shift with a jump-roll machine, there would be some labor saving. However, a primary purpose of the jump-roll machine is to avoid the back-breaking labor or.

picarooning the blocks off the conveyor, labor still being required to guide the blocks into the chutes.

Considering the present invention, starting with a full loaded conveyor, one man-the operator seated in the traveling carriageis all that is needed to feed a number of grinders. For example, five Great Northern Waters Grinders having a total capacity of about 240 cords per 8-hour shift can be fed by a carriage assembly according to the present invention, at a labor cost of 8 man hours.

OPERATION With the conveyor belt 244 loaded throughout its length, the carriage 100 is moved to a position opposite a grinder chute 107 or 108 and stopped. The operator then moves the boom 128 and/or the spike roll brackets 146 and l52 to urge spikes of the rolls in contact with a block 246. Rotation of the blocks.

With unloading of the conveyor being commenced at an outer end remote from the loading end of the conveyor, loading can recommence after a length at the outer end has been cleared.

While unloading to a chute usually takes place with at least the carriage stationary, it is seen that with carriage being able to travel materially faster than the conveyor, there is great flexibility of operation. I

When the spike rolls 220, shown in FIG. 8, are used, it is possible to maintain the rolls in one position and merely feed the blocks thereto.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments and features described and shown, but that it comprises any modifications and equivalents within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for feeding elongated blocks from the top of a support means adapted for supporting a plurality of such blocks, said support means having a major, generally horizon tal axis, the blocks being arranged on the support means in generally parallel, side-by-side relationship relative to one another to extend transversely of said axis, said apparatus comprising:

a rotatable spike roll disposed above said support means, said roll having an axis of rotation extending generally parallel to the major axis of the support means;

means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks in a direction generally along the major axis of the support means;

means for rotating said spike roll about its axis of rotation as the roll and the blocks are moved relatively in said direction; and

said spike roll being positionable for contacting the upper portion of a block on said support means while the roll is rotating and while the roll and the blocks are moving relatively in said direction, whereby to propel the contacted block away from the remainder of the blocks in a direction transverse to said major axis of the support means.

2; Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which comprises, means for lowering the spike roll into contact with a block and then raising the spike roll to contact only momentarily a block on the conveyor.

3. Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for lowering and raising said spike roll includes:

an arm pivotally mounted at one end and having the spike roll secured to the other end; and

means for arcuately moving said arm around the pivoted end to lower the spike roll into contact with a block and then raise the spike roll away from the conveyor.

4. Apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said means for arcuately moving said arm includes, a fluid operated cylinder and piston attached to the arm at a position between the spike roll and the pivoted end of the arm.

5. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said spike roll includes a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another.

6. Apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the inner rows of circumferentially spaced spikes have larger spikes than the spikes in the outer rows.

7. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which further comprises:

a second spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of said first spike roll; and

means for rotating said second spike roll independently from said first spike roll.

8. Apparatus as recited in claim 7, which further comprises, means for lowering and raising said second spike roll independently of said first spike roll.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support means comprises a conveyor mechanism thereby presenting said means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks. 4

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks further comprises a carriage movable in said direction generally parallel to the major axis of the support means, said spike roll being mounted on said carriage.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks comprises a carriage movable in said direction generally parallel to the major axis of the support means, said spike roll being mounted on said carriage.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim lll, said carriage comprising: a wheeled carriageincluding means for moving the carriage in forward and reverse directions generally parallel to the major axis of the support means, there being a boom mounted on said carriage, said boom having an inner end mounted for rotation in a vertical plane above the blocks;

said spike roll being mounted at the outer end of said boom,

said apparatus further including means for rotating said boom in the vertical plane for raising and lowering the spike roll into engagement with the blocks. 13. Apparatus as recited in claim 12, which further comprises:

a second spike roll mounted on a parallel, horizontal axis spaced from the axis of the first spike roll; and

means for independently rotating said second spike roll on its horizontal axis. 14. Apparatus as recited in claim 13, which further includes, means for independently raising and lowering each of said spike rolls with respect to said boom to position the rolls on a slope.

15. Apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said spike roll comprises, a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another.

16. Apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the inner rows have spikes which are larger than those in the outer rows.

17. Apparatus as recited in claim 16, which further comprises, an outer inclined spike row at the outer edge of the roll. 18. Apparatus for selectively feeding blocks from the top of a conveyor or rack loaded with a plurality of such blocks, which comprises:

a spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis generally normal to the longitudinal axes of the blocks;

means for moving said spike roll and blocks relative to one another to contact momentarilyblocks on said conveyor with the spike roll; means for rotating said spike roll as said spike roll contacts a block to propel the contacted block away from the remainder of said blocks;

said spike roll including a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another; and

the outermost row of spikes being inclined at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the spike roll.

19. Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the spikes of the inclined rows extend at approximately a 45 angle from the longitudinal axis of the spike roll.

20. Apparatus for selectively feeding blocks from the top of a conveyor or rack loaded with a plurality of such blocks, which comprises:

a spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis generally normal to the longitudinal axes of the blocks;

means for moving said spike roll and blocks relative to one another to contact momentarily blocks on said conveyor with the spike roll;

means for rotating said spike roll as said spike roll contacts a block to propel the contacted block away from the remainder of said blopks; and said spike roll comprising an outer shell in the shape of a truncated cone and a plurality of axially spaced rows of circumferentially spaced spikes, the smaller end of said truncated cone facing the oncoming blocks.

21. Apparatus for feeding blocks which are aligned in generally parallel relationship, which comprises:

a wheeled carriage including means for moving the carriage in a forward and reverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axesof the blocks;

a boom mounted on said carriage and having an inner end mounted for rotation in a vertical plane above the blocks;

a spike roll having a horizontal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carriage;

means for connecting the spike roll to the outer end of said boom;

means for rotating said boom in the vertical plane for raising and lowering the spike roll into engagement with the blocks;

means for rotating the spike roll on its horizontal axis as the roll engages a block to propel said block away from the remainder of said blocks;

a moving conveyor for advancing blocks in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the carriage; and

said spike roll comprising an outer shell having an end portion which is in the shape of a truncated cone and a plurality of axially spaced rows of circumferential spikes, the smaller end of said shell facing the oncoming blocks advancing on the conveyor.

22. Apparatus as recited in claim 21 wherein said spikes are all of the same size.

23. Apparatus for feeding blocks, which comprises:

a moving conveyor loading with blocks on the top thereof;

a spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis above the conveyor and the axis being generally parallel to the direction of advancement of said conveyor, said spike roll including an outer shell in the shape of a truncated cone; and a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another, the smaller end of said truncated, conical shell facing the oncoming blocks on said conveyor; and

means for rotating said spike roll to contact momentarily a block as it is fed thereagainst by the conveyor to propel said block from the conveyor.

24. Apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein all the spikes in all of said rows are of the same size. 

1. Apparatus for feeding elongated blocks from the top of a support means adapted for supporting a plurality of such blocks, said support means having a major, generally horizontal axis, the blocks being arranged on the support means in generally parallel, side-by-side relationship relative to one another to extend transversely of said axis, said apparatus comprising: a rotatable spike roll disposed above said support means, said roll having an axis of rotation extending generally parallel to the major axis of the support means; means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks in a direction generally along the major axis of the support means; means for rotating said spike roll about its axis of rotation as the roll and the blocks are moved relatively in said direction; and said spike roll being positionable for contacting the upper portion of a block on said support means while the roll is rotating and while the roll and the blocks are moving relatively in said direction, whereby to propel the contacted block away from the remainder of the blocks in a direction transverse to said major axis of the support means.
 2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which comprises, means for lowering the spike roll into contact with a block and then raising the spike roll to contact only momentarily a block on the conveyor.
 3. Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for lowering and raising said spike roll includes: an arm pivotally mounted at one end and having the spike roll secured to the other end; and means for arcuately moving said arm around the pivoted end to lower the spike roll into contact with a block and then raise the spike roll away from the conveyor.
 2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which comprises, means for lowering the spike roll into contact with a block and then raising the spike roll to contact only momentarily a block on the conveyor.
 3. Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said means for lowering and raising said spike roll includes: an arm pivotally mounted at one end and having the spike roll secured to the other end; and means for arcuately moving said arm around the pivoted end to lower the spike roll into contact with a block and then raise the spike roll away from the conveyor.
 4. Apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said means for arcuately moving said arm includes, a fluid operated cylinder and piston attached to the arm at a position between the spike roll and the pivoted end of the arm.
 5. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said spike roll includes a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another.
 6. Apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein the inner rows of circumferentially spaced spikes have larger spikes than the spikes in the outer rows.
 7. Apparatus as recited in claim 1, which further comprises: a second spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of said first spike roll; and means for rotating said second spike roll independently from said first spike roll.
 8. Apparatus as recited in claim 7, which further comprises, means for lowering and raising said second spike roll independently of said first spike roll.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support means comprises a conveyor mechanism thereby presenting said means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9 wherein said means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks further comprises a carriage movable in said direction generally parallel to the major axis of the support means, said spike roll being mounted on said carriage.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for relatively moving said spike roll and said blocks comprises a carriage movable in said direction generally parallel to the major axis of the support means, said spike roll being mounted on said carriage.
 12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11, said carriage comprising: a wheeled carriage including means for moving the carriage in forward and reverse directions generally parallel to the major axis of the support means, there being a boom mounted on said carriage, said boom having an inner end mounted for rotation in a vertical plane above the blocks; said spike roll being mounted at the outer end of said boom, said apparatus further including means for rotating said boom in the vertical plane for raising and lowering the spike roll into engagement with the blocks.
 13. Apparatus as recited in claim 12, which further comprises: a second spike roll mountEd on a parallel, horizontal axis spaced from the axis of the first spike roll; and means for independently rotating said second spike roll on its horizontal axis.
 14. Apparatus as recited in claim 13, which further includes, means for independently raising and lowering each of said spike rolls with respect to said boom to position the rolls on a slope.
 15. Apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said spike roll comprises, a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another.
 16. Apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein the inner rows have spikes which are larger than those in the outer rows.
 17. Apparatus as recited in claim 16, which further comprises, an outer inclined spike row at the outer edge of the roll.
 18. Apparatus for selectively feeding blocks from the top of a conveyor or rack loaded with a plurality of such blocks, which comprises: a spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis generally normal to the longitudinal axes of the blocks; means for moving said spike roll and blocks relative to one another to contact momentarily blocks on said conveyor with the spike roll; means for rotating said spike roll as said spike roll contacts a block to propel the contacted block away from the remainder of said blocks; said spike roll including a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another; and the outermost row of spikes being inclined at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the spike roll.
 19. Apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the spikes of the inclined rows extend at approximately a 45* angle from the longitudinal axis of the spike roll.
 20. Apparatus for selectively feeding blocks from the top of a conveyor or rack loaded with a plurality of such blocks, which comprises: a spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis generally normal to the longitudinal axes of the blocks; means for moving said spike roll and blocks relative to one another to contact momentarily blocks on said conveyor with the spike roll; means for rotating said spike roll as said spike roll contacts a block to propel the contacted block away from the remainder of said blocks; and said spike roll comprising an outer shell in the shape of a truncated cone and a plurality of axially spaced rows of circumferentially spaced spikes, the smaller end of said truncated cone facing the oncoming blocks.
 21. Apparatus for feeding blocks which are aligned in generally parallel relationship, which comprises: a wheeled carriage including means for moving the carriage in a forward and reverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the blocks; a boom mounted on said carriage and having an inner end mounted for rotation in a vertical plane above the blocks; a spike roll having a horizontal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carriage; means for connecting the spike roll to the outer end of said boom; means for rotating said boom in the vertical plane for raising and lowering the spike roll into engagement with the blocks; means for rotating the spike roll on its horizontal axis as the roll engages a block to propel said block away from the remainder of said blocks; a moving conveyor for advancing blocks in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the carriage; and said spike roll comprising an outer shell having an end portion which is in the shape of a truncated cone and a plurality of axially spaced rows of circumferential spikes, the smaller end of said shell facing the oncoming blocks advancing on the conveyor.
 22. Apparatus as recited in claim 21 wherein said spikes are all of the same size.
 23. Apparatus for feeding blocks, which comprises: a moving conveyor loading with blocks on the top thereof; a spike roll mounted for rotation on a horizontal axis above the conveyor and the axis being generally parallel to The direction of advancement of said conveyor, said spike roll including an outer shell in the shape of a truncated cone; and a plurality of rows of circumferentially spaced spikes with the rows axially spaced from one another, the smaller end of said truncated, conical shell facing the oncoming blocks on said conveyor; and means for rotating said spike roll to contact momentarily a block as it is fed thereagainst by the conveyor to propel said block from the conveyor.
 24. Apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein all the spikes in all of said rows are of the same size. 